Introductory Film Course
For young aspiring London filmmakers. The BFI Film Academy offers high quality training for the next generation of UK talent. If you are 16-19, interested in learning or improving your skills in filmmaking, this is the place for you. (Please note – university students cannot apply and there is an earlybird application process, see below.)

Details:
A 5 day intensive course followed by a screening @ NFT1 BFI Southbank
Timeline:
Application deadline – Friday 22nd January 2027
Applicants informed – Friday 29th January 2027
BFI Film Academy –
Monday to Friday during the autumn half term (Monday 15th to Friday 19th of February 2027) – 10:00am to 17:00pm.
Venue
A Croydon venue TBC
Notes
You will need to be able to commit to all the workshop dates. The course is free however there is a deposit of £25 refunded upon completion. No one should feel that the lack of funds will prevent them attending, see details about our travel bursary scheme and accessibility.
The academy is an intense creative experience where 20 applicants develop their talent and make films. . The selection will be based on ability, talent and willingness to work hard. We are using an EARLY BIRD system; simply put, you will increase your chances if you apply early. Good applications will still beat mediocre ones, applying early gives you a few more additional points and will make the difference between similar applicants. Half of the places are reserved for young people living or studying in Croydon.
During the BFI Film Academy you will:
- Build your professional online portfolio.
- Work in a small group to make a film.
- Understand film-making language and the hidden meanings and structures in films.
- Widen your understanding of the Film and TV world.
- Receive industry training in specialist apps such as Premiere & After Effects.
- Learn from high profile visiting speakers who will be sharing tips, trade secrets and how they got their jobs.
Examples of student’s work from last year can be found here and you can view one below.
There are three other film academies in London. Two before Christmas and one at the same time as this one. We are all working together as the BFI Film Academy London. There are another 11 Film Academy Hubs running across the UK Visit BFI for more details
